Got an offer. Ask other companies to decide sooner? (employment, interviewed, work)

[catinea]

Hi

I just got a contract offer, 3months and a company i work for. They asked me to start 22nd.
I interviewed other companies this week.
Do you think it's okay to send emails to other companies to tell me the decision sooner?
Also, for the contract, can I ask if I can start 29th if possible?
If contract, do they ask to sign the offer right away? - I haven't done any contract before.

[sware2cod]

You can ask to start the 29th if possible.

It is smart to let the others know you have an offer. If they were seriously considering you, they might offer quickly rather than lose you.

I have done many contract gigs and most times there is no offer letter to sign. But it depends on the company. However, many do background searches and possibly drug screening.. These occur very quickly after you accept the verbal offer.

[bobtn]

If there is nothing in a written contract binding you to work 3 months, and one of the others comes back with an offer of employment, not contract, nor temp, I'd wave bye-bye to the contract spot at that time. So right now, I'd accept the contract spot, saying nothing to anyone, nor declining the offers you await news on.